Preventing falls is the way forward in reducing disability in later life.

Physical inactivity, depression and falls all increase the risk of disability in later life. Researchers at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey have looked at strategies for reducing all three risk factors and say it is best to concentrate on fall prevention. They have looked at over one hundred studies on the subject.

Fall prevention can reduce falls by 25 per cent. Currently one third of those over 65 will experience a fall and many will go on to become disabled - but this could be prevented for many. A useful approach combines education about risks of falls with exercise to improve balance and co-ordination, home safety improvements and health assessments. But not enough long-term research on fall prevention has been done. And traditional health insurance doesn't address fall prevention issues, concentrating mainly on medical aspects of disability once it has occurred. Clearly there is much to be gained by switching the focus to prevention of falls.
 

Source

The Milbank Quarterly 8th September 2006